Dual-action monoclonal antibodies from an original SARS survivor show promise against COVID-19
A recent study, currently available on the
bioRxiv preprint server, indicates that a pair of dual-action monoclonal antibodies derived from an original 2003 SARS survivor could play an important role in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to their broadly neutralizing activity and the engagement of the immune system via effector function capabilities.
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While different vaccines against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have already been authorized and used pervasively, the goal of swiftly reaching herd immunity may be hampered by supply issues, vaccine hesitancy, and the spread of viral variants. Likewise, those with underlying immunodeficiency may be at risk despite vaccination.
Which biomarkers can help predict severe COVID-19?
The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to over 119 million confirmed cases and over 2.6 million deaths so far. Even as vaccines are being rolled out in many countries, supply challenges and cold-chain obstacles are likely to slow down the pace of universal immunization, favoring the emergence of novel vaccine-resistant strains.
The ability to detect potentially fatal illness early on in the course of the disease would enable a swift prioritization of these high-risk individuals for treatment. A new preprint on the
medRxiv server presents an array of biomarkers that may help achieve this laudable goal.
Cannabis compound inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in human lung cells
Researchers in the United States have conducted a study showing that a cannabis plant compound inhibited infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in human lung cells.
SARS-CoV-2 is the agent responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that continues to sweep the globe posing a threat to global public health and the worldwide economy.
Marsha Rosner from the University of Chicago in Illinois and colleagues found that cannabidiol (CBD) and its metabolite 7-OH-CBD potently blocked SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung epithelial cells.
The CBD inhibited viral gene expression and reversed many of the effects the virus has on host gene transcription.
The role of nanotechnology in the fight against COVID-19
Nanomedicine is a very powerful tool with the potential to mitigate the burden of disease by providing nanoparticle-based carriers and vaccines. A recent review by a team of interdisciplinary researchers looked at its role in the diagnostics, therapeutics, strategies and future perspectives for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Appearing in the journal
Nanomedicine, the review summarized all the exciting advances made using diverse nanomaterials (polymeric, inorganic self-assembling materials and peptide-based) towards COVID-19 prevention, diagnosis and therapy.
Nidovirales order,
Cornidovirineae suborder and
Coronaviridae family. The main characteristics of the virus include rapid mutation, altered tissue tropism, cross-species transmission and adaptation to various epidemiological conditions.